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TEPAI Moeroa still gets a lift to training with Mum. He denies it, of course. Teenagers always do.
"But yes, I drive,'' Paris Moeroa laughs. "Quite a bit actually. Because Tepai doesn't have a licence yet, I'm there for him. I guess for an NRL player he's a bit unique."
Isn't he what?
All shaggy hair, shattering tackles and chauffeured rides with Mum, Moeroa suddenly looms as the hottest rugby league item since some lark first put Deep Heat in Speedos.
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At 19, not so much arriving in the NRL as kicking down the front door and taking hostages. Already, Eels officials are whispering greatness.
Peter Sterling: "The best young forward in a decade".
Cover of today's league Central Source: Supplied
And as for those comparisons to Nathan Hindmarsh, Sonny Bill Williams, even 80s enforcer Geoff Robinson?
"Ah, sorry," Moeroa shrugs apologetically when the last name is put. "I've never heard of him."
Oh, c'mon.
Robbo. Geoff Robinson.
That cult Canterbury tough whose heart and hair were matched only by his ability to cause haemorrhaging in rivals.
"Oh, really?" Moeroa continues. "Don't know him.
"I've heard the Hindy stuff, which is cool. I think he was playing first grade when I was in Kindergarten."
Actually, would you believe age three?
Still living at home with his parents in Mt Druitt, Moeroa is a regular churchgoer who never swears, has no tattoos and insists fellow Eel Pauli Pauli is the one who drives him to training.
"But Mum does too,'' laughs his manger Craig Baker. "Or Tep catches the train.
"Everyone might be talking about this aggressive new forward for Parramatta, but really he's just a great young kid."
Tepai Moeroa is eyeing a spot at the Rio Olympics.
And for proof listen to Dr Andrew Hirst, the Deputy Headmaster at Newington College, speak of the humble schoolboy who, after dropping a rival on the rugby field, would then extend a hand to lift them up.
Or officials from St Pats Blacktown recalling how, having busted whatever defence he faced that particular Saturday, Moeroa would then sprint away to the tryline — and wait.
Eventually handing the Steeden off to whichever teammate arrived first to score.
Even in Grade 10, when picked for the Newington First XV, Moeroa refused to play. "Because,'' says Mum, "Tepai didn't think it was right to take that spot from a senior."
Here, truly, is the heartbeat of league's Next Big Thing. Yes, Moeroa has always been the biggest kid on the field.
Blessed, too, with an athleticism his old throwing coach Dave Bruce says: "Used to make him look so casual ... right until he let the discuss go".
But what really sets Moeroa apart is want.
How else do you explain this Eels rookie chasing a spot at next year's Rio Olympics for shot putt? Or studying at TAFE to become a counsellor?
Sure, we could understand if he were fellow Eel Danny Wicks, wanting to help others after 18 months inside.
But what does a teenager living at home, a kid whose mum still makes his lunches, honestly know about life?
Tepai Moeroa has made a big impression after just 10 NRL appearances. Source: News Corp Australia
"I know what it's like to struggle,'' insists this son of factory workers who, when pressed, can talk of missed birthdays and Christmases.
Of Mum, who gets to every home game, not having the cash to travel interstate. And of owning almost no childhood photos because, well, who could afford a camera?
"Growing up for me, it hasn't always been easy. Where I come from life is often roaming the streets looking for trouble."
Asked if he were ever among this lot and Moeroa offers the longest pause.
"Aaaah, yeah,'' he eventually replies. "For a couple of years I was. But that story, it's for another day. I'm just lucky people close to me cared.
"Understood rugby league was my opportunity."
And now, so does he.
An 11-year-old Moeroa, excelling at discus. Source: News Limited
"But Tepai, he's always had the inner drive,'' insists Dr Hirst. "I remember, during our first chat, asking what he aspired to.
"Tepai looked me in the eye and said 'I want to represent my country in three sports — rugby league, rugby union and shot putt'."
And who wants to bet against it?
Despite boasting only 10 NRL appearances, this bullocking Eel already owns the type of presence that has opposition runners changing direction — quick.
And still those who know him best say his greatest weapons are maturity. Humility.
"And mental strength,'' insists Bruce. "In 40 years coaching I've seen plenty of gigantic boys go nowhere.
"But Tepai Moeroa ... there are few young men can control their mind like him."
So how long can Parramatta keep a lid on the hype?
On Tuesday, see, Eels officials let our interview run only nine minutes — or 54 seconds per top grade appearance — before calling time and dragging him away.
So no, we cannot tell you what this Blues hopeful thinks of the Origin talk. Nor how he intends to throw at an Olympics starting in August.
And as for driving himself to training any time soon?
"Ah, I'm short sighted,'' Moeroa laughs seconds before time is called. "So before any licence I need contacts, maybe laser treatment.
"But hopefully by the end of the year I'll be right. Have myself behind the wheel."
And until then, he always has Mum.
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